William Montgomery

William E. Montgomery, 78, passed away on April 30, 2025. Born in 1946 in Bremerton, WA, Bill was the beloved son of Edward and Violet Montgomery, who preceded him in death. Bill devoted more than six decades to the sport and art of judo—as a competitor, training partner, coach, and mentor. He was part of a foundational era in American judo, training alongside legends like Olympic medalist Jim Bregman, Olympian Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and Dutch champion Anton Geesink. At just 17, he served as Bregman’s primary training partner at the Washington Judo Club leading up to the 1965 World Championships. Though himself a skilled judoka (6th Dan), Bill’s greatest legacy is as a coach and mentor. Bill taught judo across the US, Europe, and in South Africa, and ran one of the first United States Judo Association (USJA) coaching courses at Camp Olympus in the 1970s. He co-founded the Norwich Judo Dojo in Connecticut and served as its head sensei for more than two decades, inspiring children, mentoring young adults, and producing future instructors. Bill served on the Board of Directors for the United States Judo Association (USJA) and was the chair of its Coaching Education Committee. He played a central role in developing the USJA’s national coach certification program and led the coaching course at the International Judo Camp for decades. His presence at camp was a constant: instructing, mentoring, storytelling, and fiercely defending the values of judo and coach education. His influence and mentorship shaped judo programs across the country. Bill gave generously of his time, knowledge, and trademark blunt encouragement. He advised start-up dojos, guided instructors through tough transitions, and insisted on integrity and technical excellence in all things. He expected a lot—and gave even more. Though he never married, Bill spent many years in a meaningful partnership with Joan Love, and he viewed her daughter, Andrea Love, as his own. Andrea remains his sole surviving family member. Bill will be remembered for his expertise, storytelling, dry humor, and devotion to his students, friends, and family. His influence will be missed on the mat and beyond, living on through a national network of coaches, students, and clubs shaped by his wisdom, fierce loyalty, and belief in the transformative power of judo. A celebration of his life will be held at the 2025 International Judo Camp at Camp Echo in Bloomingburg, NY (August 2025). For details, please contact his stepdaughter, Andrea Love, at andreaclove@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund for the International Judo Camp is being established in his honor. If you would like to contribute, please reach out to Andrea Love (andreaclove@gmail.com) or Joan Love (judolady210@gmail.com) to coordinate.